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Weekly Market Insights: Second Week of Stock Retreat
Stocks fell for the second straight week on inflation concerns despite a report on consumer prices that was initially well received by investors. Stocks Slide Tuesday was the only bright spot during the week as stock prices rose after...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0 Includes New Provision On Special Needs Trusts
Experts estimate there are more than 44 million people with disabilities in the U.S., representing 13.4% of the population.1 Many parents of children with disabilities choose to establish a special needs trust. This can help provide...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Take a Breather After Mixed Week
Stocks were down for the week as investors appeared to take some profits and traders parsed Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s Congressional testimony. Markets Wobble Stocks had a rough start to the week, with the Dow, S&P 500, and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Tech and AI Lead Another Advancing Week
Stocks extended their tech-led advance last week as signs of a resilient and still-enthusiastic consumer boosted momentum. Nasdaq Sets New High Stocks traded in a narrow band early in the week but ended the five-trading sessions with...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Hit New Highs on AI's Promise
Stocks vaulted to new heights last week on the back of an artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductor company, marking investors’ belief that AI has the potential to transform the U.S. economy. Stocks Rally to Record Highs Stocks...
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Weekly Market Insights: Market Retreats on Inflation, Economic Reports.
Stocks fell last week as investors reacted to disappointing inflation updates and other economic reports that fell short of estimates. Stocks Snap Winning Streak Markets were quiet Monday but opened lower Tuesday in response to the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P Hits Record High
The stock market experienced solid gains last week, concluding the trading week on a positive note, thanks to robust corporate reports and favorable inflation news; this propelled the S&P 500 Index to achieve a new record high at the...
Read MoreThe Psychology of Love and Money
Money can be a touchy subject, especially regarding our closest relationships. Whether we like it or not, finance plays an integral role in our partnerships, families, and friendships. So, how can we foster healthy attitudes and...
Read MoreRules and Regulation Changes That Could Impact Your Finances in 2024
In the ever-evolving financial landscape, staying informed about the latest changes and potential implications for your retirement savings is crucial. Shifts in retirement regulations define 2024, and we’re committed to keeping...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Investors Move Past Mixed Fed Message
Stocks pushed higher last week as investors cheered mega-cap tech corporate reports and a better-than-expected employment report. Stocks at New Highs At the beginning of the week, stocks surged, anticipating fourth-quarter corporate...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Excitement Around Big Tech Continues
Stocks continued their upward climb last week as excitement around big tech continued; positive economic reports stoked investors’ belief that the Federal Reserve has pulled off a soft landing. Stocks Power Ahead Big tech was...
Read MoreThe Big Game Indicator and Other Unusual Economic Theories
It’s a fun time of year for football fans. The NFL playoffs are starting, and the Big Game is just around the corner. While football fans will tune in for the matchups, commercials, and Usher’s Big Game halftime show, you...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Big Win For Big Tech
Stocks finished higher last week, with big tech again leading amid lingering uncertainty over how continued economic strength would influence the Fed’s rate decision. Stocks Dip, Then Rally Stock prices dropped early in...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Investors Begin to See the Light in Upbeat Week.
Stocks pushed higher last week, led by big tech names and boosted by December inflation reports that were mixed but positive enough to shore up investor confidence in Fed rate cuts this year. Stocks Rock and Roll It was a rocky week...
Read MoreMajor Tax Changes Looming: Are You Ready?
With the start of the new year, we wanted to discuss a topic that will likely garner attention throughout 2024: the potential sunsetting of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2025. Although some of the provisions within the TCJA are...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Investors Enter 2024 in Doubtful Mood
Stocks retreated in the first trading week of 2024, struggling a bit after a celebratory end to last year as investors second-guessed Fed signals and fretted over lingering inflation concerns. New Year Blues Stocks got off to a rough...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: S&P Ends 2023 Up 24%
Stocks posted a slight gain last week amid a shortage of news and light holiday trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.76%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.49%. The Nasdaq Composite index advanced 0.32% for...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally on Fed, Inflation News
Markets reacted positively last week to cooler inflation and the idea of potential rate cuts next year, adding to the gains of the market’s year-end rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.92%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Spark Late Week Rally
A late-week, two-day rally left stocks higher, adding to November’s gains as the last month of trading for 2023 began. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (+0.01%), while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.21%. The...
Read MoreWhat to Know When Your Child Turns 18
Your Child is Turning 18: Handling Healthcare, Academics, and Finances Together As your child blows out the candles on their 18th birthday, you may still see your baby girl or boy. But in the eyes of the law your child is considered a...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise as Bond Yields Fall
A Friday rally turned an otherwise mixed week for stocks into a solid performance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 2.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.77%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.38% for the...
Read More2023 Recap and 2024 Outlook: Key Events and What May Be in Store
As we get ready to turn the page on 2023 and welcome the new year with all its possibilities, we’d like to take some time to reflect on the year that was—the notable events, trends, and developments that defined our...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Short Week Strong for Stocks
Investor enthusiasm for stocks remained strong last week, buoyed by declining bond yields in a holiday-abbreviated trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average picked up 1.27%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.00%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: November Rally Continues
Stocks extended their November rally last week as investors cheered lower-than-forecast inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.24%. The Nasdaq Composite index rose...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Dementia Patients and Their Caregivers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or any other form of dementia, this can be an extremely challenging time. While promising new treatments are developing and research continues, a cure remains elusive....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Friday; Powell Cautious On Progress
A powerful Friday rally left stocks higher last week, extending the market’s early November gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.65%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.31%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read More10 Financial Missteps to Avoid During a Divorce
Divorce is one of the most stressful life events. Even the most amicable splits can be complicated and emotionally draining. We likely all know couples who have gone through divorce, and it can be a trying time for everyone involved....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rise, Jobs Cool
Stocks ripped higher last week on a dramatic retreat in bond yields triggered by easing inflation and a slowing labor market. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 5.07%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 surged 5.85%. The...
Read MorePreparing for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset at the End of 2025
While we haven’t yet said goodbye to 2023, it’s not too early to begin thinking about any tax changes that may be on the horizon. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 was designed to overhaul the federal tax code by...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat on Cautious Earnings Reports
Amid a busy week of corporate earnings reports, stocks slumped on cautious earnings guidance, fears of higher interest rates, and growing anxiety over the increasing amount of Treasury bonds and notes coming to market. The Dow Jones...
Read More10 Ideas for a Virtual Holiday Party
Many of us have adapted to a world with remote team members and back-to-back Zoom calls with customers spread across the country, which certainly has its benefits. Nevertheless, one drawback is the difficulty of getting together in...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat Despite Solid Earnings
Rising bond yields and uncertainty over whether this was the close of the Fed’s rate-hike cycle dragged markets lower last week despite solid corporate earnings results. The Dow Jones Industrial Average sank 1.61%, while the...
Read MoreThe Impact of SECURE 2.0 in 2024 and Beyond
SECURE 2.0: Changes Going Into Effect in 2024 Passed in 2019, the SECURE Act was the most substantial retirement legislation in over a decade. It contained important changes designed to help investors save more and be better prepared...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets React to Turmoil in Middle East, Inflation Concerns.
Stocks ended mixed last week amid the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East and higher-than-expected inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.20%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 0.45%. But the Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally After Strong Jobs Report
A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally After Strong Jobs Report
A Friday rally overcame a shaky week, sending stocks mostly higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.30% for the week. Meanwhile, the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 0.48%, and the Nasdaq Composite index added 1.60% for...
Read MoreA Year-End Financial Checklist
Time to Think About Year-End Financial Strategies As we roll into fall and the fourth quarter, now is a good time to pause and reflect on proactive ways to set up your finances for 2024. Economically speaking, we are now in a much...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bond Yields Rise; Government Shutdown Looms
Rising bond yields and government shutdown fears left stocks in mostly negative territory for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.74%. The Nasdaq Composite index was...
Read MoreAI's Role in Shaping Our Tomorrow: A Look Ahead
While artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines today, the concept of "thinking machines" can be traced back to ancient philosophers and mathematicians. The phrase artificial intelligence was first used in the mid-20th century,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks End Summer with Gloomy News
Rising bond yields and fears of a government shutdown hammered stocks last week, with technology shares bearing the brunt of the retreat. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.89%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 2.93%...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Stand Still, Awaiting Fed
Stocks ended the week roughly where they began as investors digested a mixed set of new economic data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.12%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Raise Interest Rates?
Concerns that the Fed may raise interest rates soured investor sentiment, sending stocks lower in a holiday-shortened trading week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.29%....
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: September Stocks Open In Positive Territory
Falling bond yields–spurred by weak economic data–helped lift stocks to weekly gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.43%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 2.50%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Retreat; Powell Talk Goes Hawk
Stocks fluctuated last week, jostled by fitful bond yields and headline news, before ending strongly following Fed Chair Powell’s comments on the monetary outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.45%, while the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Weather Summer Storm of News and Indicators
Stocks extended their August declines last week as higher yields and weak economic data out of China soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.21%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 2.11%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Summertime Blues for the Markets
Positive inflation data failed to lift stocks from their August doldrums last week as economic data and a ratings downgrade soured investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Raise White Flag to Bad News
Stocks retreated last week as bond yields increased following the Treasury's announcement indicating “a larger-than-expected funding need” and a downgrade in the federal government’s debt rating. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Jump After Inflation Gauge Cools
A Friday surge pushed stocks solidly into positive territory last week, ignited by cooling in an inflation gauge closely tracked by the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.66%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Advance and Retreat on Mixed News
Stocks moved to the rhythm of earnings season last week, initially rising on positive earnings surprises and faltering later in the week on key earnings disappointments. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.08%, while the...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bad News for Bears; Good News Buoys Markets
Better-than-expected updates last week on consumer and wholesale price inflation buoyed investor sentiment, driving stocks higher and lower bond yields. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.29%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Stumble with CPI on Deck
Rising concerns about further rate hikes sent stocks lower to kick off the second half of trading.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 1.16%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Economy Continues Upward Trend
Stocks posted gains for the week to close out a stellar month, aided by positive economic data and reports that all major banks had passed the Federal Reserve’s annual stress test.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 2.02%,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Take Summer Break, Month Remains Strong
Stocks took a breather last week as investors digested the previous week’s surge and the month-to-date solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.67%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 fell 1.39%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Climb After Fed Pause
Stocks climbed last week as reassuring inflation data boosted investor hopes that the rate-hike cycle was nearing an end amid fresh economic data pointing to continued economic resilience.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.25%,...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets March into Positive Territory Continues.
A late-week rally sent stocks into positive territory, with the S&P 500 index closing just shy of the 4,300 mark.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.34%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 0.39%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Debt Deal Relieves Market Worries
Stocks surged higher in the closing days of a holiday-shortened trading week, ignited by a political resolution on raising the debt ceiling and a strong employment report.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.02%, while the Standard...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Debt Talks Optimism Keeps Eyes on D.C.
Markets moved in sync last week with perceived movement in debt ceiling talks, weakening early in the week and then surging on news of progress. A solid quarterly report and guidance from a mega-cap technology company helped with...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Despite Stall, Debt Deal Optimism Cheers Markets
Stocks rallied last week, propelled by growing optimism over reaching a deal on raising the debt ceiling and avoiding a technical debt default by the U.S.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged 0.38% higher, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Attention Turns to the Debt Ceiling
Stocks were mixed last week as good inflation news was offset by mounting debt ceiling concerns and rekindled regional banking fears.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 1.11%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.29%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Friday Rally Trims Losses; CPI Report Next Week
A Friday rebound, triggered by a big tech company’s earnings beat and a strong jobs report, shaved much of the week’s accumulated losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally As Attention Shifts to Fed's May Meeting
Strong earnings from several mega-cap technology companies offset renewed regional banking jitters and weak economic data, leaving stocks higher for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.86%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks show small losses after mixed week
Stocks remained resilient last week amid mixed earnings reports, hawkish Fed-speak, and lingering recession fears, closing out the five trading days with small losses.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.23%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Lower inflation lifts spirits in uneven week.
The combination of an improving inflation outlook resulted in a week of uneven, albeit positive, performance, in which cyclical and financial stocks rallied while technology, real estate, and utilities lagged. The Dow Jones...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Hiring Cools; Recession Fears Rise.
Stocks ended a shortened week of trading mixed amid revived recession fears on Wall Street triggered by weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.10%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Banking Crisis Fears Dim; Markets Rally
Stocks rallied last week on receding fears of a widening banking crisis, led by resurging investor interest in technology and communication services names.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 3.22%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Message Provokes Volatility
Modest gains in major market indices masked sharp volatility amid the uncertainty arising from mixed messages emanating from public officials and revived banking fears. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.18%, while the Standard...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Cautious After Banking Woes; Awaiting Fed Reaction
Amid the reverberations of two U.S. banks being taken over by regulators and the spread of uncertainty to European banks, stocks trended higher last week on the strength of the technology sector.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Bad News Gives Markets a One-Two Punch
Stocks tumbled last week as investors reconsidered their interest rate expectations after Fed Chair Powell’s Congressional testimony that rates may need to go higher. Stocks also were rattled when a west coast bank was placed...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed’s Reassurance Boosts Stocks.
A late-week surge, triggered by reassuring Fed-speak, propelled stocks higher last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.75%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.90%. The Nasdaq Composite index picked up 2.58% for...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: FOMC Says Inflation is Still Too High
Concerns over a firmer monetary policy were heightened by fresh economic data, touching off a climb in bond yields and a slide in stock prices last week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.99%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Results As Interest Rate Concerns Grow
Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Feelings and Mixed Earnings
Stocks drifted lower as a week of mixed earnings reports and resurgent worries over Fed monetary policy dragged on investor sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell: Inflation Heading in the Right Direction
Stocks were mixed last week following better-than-expected corporate reports and increasing optimism over a slowdown in interest rates.The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged lower, slipping -0.15%. The Standard & Poor’s 500 rose...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Earnings and Data Tell Two Different Stories on Near Future.
Stocks added to their early 2023 gains amid a busy stream of mixed corporate earnings results and conflicting economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.81%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.47%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Results Following Weak Economic Data
Stocks showed mixed results last week as recession fears resurfaced in response to weak economic data and a tepid start to a new corporate earnings season. The Dow Jones Industrial Average skidded 2.70%, while the Standard &...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Inflation Cools, Stocks Warm Up
Stocks rallied last week thanks to fresh confirmation of inflation’s cooling trend and growing optimism that an inflation slowdown may provide the Fed with space to ease up on future rate hikes.The Dow Jones Industrial Average...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: New Year's Rally in Reply to Positive Economic News
A strong Friday rally triggered by fresh signs of moderating inflation pushed stocks into positive territory to begin the new year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.46%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.45%....
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Erratic Holiday Trading Leaves Stocks in Doldrums
In a holiday-shortened week, erratic trading left stocks marginally down for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.17%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slipped 0.14%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.30%. The MSCI...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Have Warmer Week as Inflation Cools
An improving inflation outlook buoyed investors’ spirits last week, helping lift stocks to solid gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 2.92%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 3.26%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Mixed Week For Markets; Jobs On The Rise
Stocks turned in a mixed performance last week as investors struggled with headlines suggesting that the Fed was unlikely to soon ease up on its current monetary tightening policy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets Rally; Earnings Better Than Expected
Undaunted by another Fed rate hike and news of a contracting economy, the stock market rallied last week on better-than-expected corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 2.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Markets React to Dim Forecast, 2Q Reports
Stocks rallied last week as investor spirits lifted thanks to a better-than-expected start to the second-quarter earnings season.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.95%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 added 2.55%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Friday Rally Stems Week of Losses
A record-high inflation report, the prospects of a more aggressive Fed, and growing recession fears sent stocks lower– though losses were pared by a Friday rally.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.16%, while the Standard...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally Despite Mixed Data
In a holiday-shortened trading week, stocks rallied despite mixed economic data and vacillating energy prices and bond yields.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.77%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 rose 1.94%. The...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Rally, Despite Recession Concerns
Prospects of cooling inflation powered a rally in stock prices last week despite growing recession concerns.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 5.39%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 climbed 6.45%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Rate Hike Triggers Market Dip
Stocks moved lower last week as recession fears deepened following a Fed hike in interest rates and weak economic data.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 4.79%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.79%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Dip on Inflation Report
A higher-than-expected inflation report triggered a sell-off on Friday, leaving stocks in the red for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 4.58%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 dropped 5.05%. The Nasdaq Composite index...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Slip on Mixed Economic News
In a holiday-shortened week of volatile trading, stocks surrendered some of the previous week’s strong gains.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.94%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 1.20%. The Nasdaq Composite...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Confidence in Fed Helps Spark Market Rally
Stocks posted solid gains for the week, buoyed by the release of Fed meeting minutes and upbeat earnings from mid-size and discount retailers.The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 6.24%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Signals More Aggressive Action on Interest Rates
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Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Rattle Investors Another Week
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Weekly Market Insights: Inflation and Ukraine Fears Cool Markets
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Weekly Market Insights: COVID-19 Variant Clobbers Markets
News of a new, highly virulent COVID variant triggered a market sell-off on Friday, sending stocks into negative territory for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.97%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 slumped 2...
Read MoreBiden Signs Infrastructure Bill
At the White House on Monday, President Biden signed a $1T bipartisan infrastructure bill set to enable enhancements for transportation and utilities over the next five years.1For each of those five years, $550 billion will be...
Read More2022 Contribution Limits
Preparing for retirement just got a little more financial wiggle room. This week, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new contribution limits for 2022.Staying put for 2022 are traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Tap the Brakes
Stocks posted small declines last week as investors digested recent stock market gains and an unexpectedly high inflation read.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.63%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 retreated 0.31%. The...
Read MoreWhen Bad News Is Good News
Financial markets can be challenging to understand. But when markets enter a “bad news is good news” cycle, it becomes even more difficult to follow along.At its November meeting, the Fed outlined its plan to taper monthly...
Read MoreFANNG is now MAMAA
CNBC’s Mad Money host Jim Cramer created the popular FAANG acronym to denote some of the largest, most powerful companies in the world: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google. Recently, changes in those companies are...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Fed Says Tapering Ahead
A Federal Reserve announcement on tapering, a fresh batch of corporate profits, and encouraging economic data lifted stocks to another weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.42%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreGridlock in the Supply Chain
While the world has begun to recover from the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the delayed reaction has been felt in the supply chain. Industrial shutdowns around the world slowed production to a relative crawl, leaving...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Strong Week on Wall Street
Stocks rallied last week on a stream of positive corporate earnings surprises.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 advanced 1.64%. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.29% for the week....
Read MoreWill Fed Chair Powell Get a Second Term?
Financial markets tend to function best when they have clear, strong leadership. When there’s concern about who’s the boss, markets can struggle.Jerome Powell’s first term as Fed Chair ends in February 2022. Until...
Read MoreReady for Medicare Open Enrollment?
Medicare’s annual open enrollment period begins October 15 and ends December 7. During this time, current Medicare beneficiaries have the option to adjust their coverage for the coming year. Any changes to your plan will go into...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Debt Ceiling Raised
The overhang of bumping against the federal debt ceiling was lifted last week with an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, helping propel stocks to a weekly gain.The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1...
Read MoreWill the IPO Market Heat Up?
If the stock market outlook brightens, there are expectations for a bumper crop of initial public offerings to make their debuts over the next several weeks.Somewhere between 90 to 110 IPOs are preparing to come public by the end of...
Read MoreOctober Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October brings to mind the beauty of the leaves changing colors and a time to enjoy the colder weather. But October also holds another meaning for millions of people: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.Based on the numbers,...
Read MoreRoller-Coaster Week in Washington
Debates over government debt, taxes, and infrastructure have captured the attention of the nation this week. All eyes are on Washington and Wall Street as these events play out, with potentially far-reaching consequences that seem to...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stalemate in the Capitol
Higher bond yields and a legislative stalemate in Washington, D.C., added up to losses for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 1.36%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 lost 2.21%. The Nasdaq Composite index fell...
Read MoreFed Rescues September
A funny thing happened in the investment markets the other day. September was living up to its reputation as a volatile month, but then the Federal Reserve came to the rescue.The Fed concluded its Federal Open Market Committee meeting...
Read MoreFallout from the Chinese Property Market
There’s a famous saying about a hurricane starting from a butterfly flapping its wings on the other side of the world. That “butterfly effect” is certainly happening in terms of the Chinese property market’s...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Wild Week of Contagion Concerns
Stocks prices were whipsawed last week, dragged initially lower by financial contagion worries and later lifted by a supportive Fed policy statement.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.62%, while the Standard & Poor’s...
Read MoreAre Your Taxes Going to Change?
Most likely, you’ve heard what’s brewing in Washington, D.C., called by one of these names.The Build Back Better Act. Or the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Or the Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan for Working...
Read MoreThe Underutilized Benefits of a Health Savings Account
Healthcare can be one of the priciest yet essential parts of life’s journey. And yet, many struggle to utilize the financial tools that may help. Take Health Saving Accounts (HSAs), for example.In 2019, 55% of those with HSAs...
Read MoreCan You Wait to Take Social Security?
On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act to help fight unemployment and guarantee income for retirees. While Roosevelt acknowledged the limitations of the act, saying, “We can never insure...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Stocks Lackluster Despite Positive Outlook
Stocks weakened ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and amid persistent concerns about the Delta variant’s impact on the economy.The Dow Jones Industrial Average was flat (-0.07%), while the Standard &...
Read MoreThe Best, the Brightest, and Inflation
If you are feeling a bit confused about the direction of inflation, you’re in good company. Some of the best and brightest economists in the country are having a tough time getting their arms around the current inflation trends...
Read MoreMaking Sense of Seemingly Inconsistent Numbers
It can be incredibly difficult to make sense of data. A report coming from one body may tell you one thing, and another report might seem to offer a wholly different perspective.Such is the case with August’s jobs numbers from...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Delta Variant Concerns Markets
In a quiet week of news, stocks moved lower amid simmering concerns over the Delta variant’s effect on the progress of economic reopening.The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.15%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreThe September Effect
The stock market notched its 7th straight month of gains in August, and the Standard & Poor's 500 index has set 53 new highs so far in 2021.1During August, stocks rallied as investors looked past the increased number of COVID-19...
Read MoreA Dividend of Confidence
The most recent stats on corporate dividends suggest that global companies are bullish on the world’s economic recovery.Dividends paid to investors are on track to hit $1.4 trillion this year and are expected to stretch even...
Read More401(k) Millionaires
Your workplace retirement account can play a critical role in your overall retirement strategy. However, some have gone further with the accounts than others, especially recently.CNBC reported on findings that place 401(k) accounts at...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Powell: Tapering Likely in 2021
The stock market powered to record levels last week amid talk of Fed tapering and a deceleration in new Delta variant cases.The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.96%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 increased 1.52%. The...
Read MoreThe Fed Can't Keep a Secret
If you have a secret, don’t tell anyone at the Federal Reserve Bank. They may leak the story before you’d like.In early August, multiple regional Federal Reserve Bank presidents hit the speaking tour. They made headlines...
Read MoreDistracted America
Over the last year, many have seen their lives impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The ways in which we work, live, and communicate have drastically changed, to say the least.It’s difficult to predict what other aspects of life...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Will the Fed Taper in 2021?
Stocks turned lower last week amid the increasing probability of a Fed tapering, mixed economic data, and growing concerns about the economic impact of the Delta variant.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 1.11%, while the...
Read MoreMixed Signals on Inflation
Are you having a tough time keeping track of inflation's mixed signals? You’re not alone.Consumer prices in July climbed at their fastest rate since August 2008. Worse, producer prices, which can be an indicator of future price...
Read MoreWill Air Travel Problems Persist?
The airline industry plotted a course for recovery in 2021, but recent difficulties may have put that plan into a holding pattern.While major airlines checked in with improving financial results for the second quarter, both they and...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Passage of Infrastructure Boosts Stocks
Looking past inflation figures and Delta variant trends, stocks last week found a way to climb higher and set fresh record highs in the process.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.87%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreThe Cost Of A Gold Medal
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics wrap up with closing ceremonies on August 8, and it’s been an Olympic games like no other. We’ve watched the world’s finest athletes go for the gold. Which leads many to wonder: what exactly...
Read MoreA Wall of Worry
Have you ever heard the Wall Street expression, "markets climb a wall of worry?"It's the idea that financial markets are constantly on edge. Traders fret about how long a market rally can continue before it runs into trouble. Worry...
Read MoreWeekly Market Insights: Jobs Strong, Earnings Strong
Overcoming jitters about the Delta variant and the reintroduction of mask requirements, stocks climbed higher on strong employment data and a fresh batch of strong corporate earnings.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.78% while...
Read MoreBillionaires in Space
It’s long been an aspirational target for entrepreneurs. It literally goes beyond “blue sky,” in terms of location, to a place no business has gone before: Outer Space!Longtime space enthusiast and entrepreneur...
Read MoreA 6.1% Bump in Social Security?
The news keeps getting better for Social Security recipients.It's now projected that benefits will increase 6.1% in 2022, up from the 4.7% forecast just two months ago. That would be the most significant increase since 1983.1...
Read MoreA COLA with Your Social Security?
If there is a "silver lining" to all the inflation talk, it may be that Social Security benefits are expected to see a larger-than-normal increase in 2022.Preliminary estimates call for a 4.7% cost-of-living increase (COLA) in Social...
Read More2021 Retirement Confidence Survey
Will your retirement dreams match your reality?That's perhaps the most critical question to ask people who are currently retired. Was your retirement what you expected, or was it something else?For more than 30 years, the Employee...
Read MoreBuffett and Powell Talk Inflation
What does it mean when two of the most powerful voices in American financial life seem to be saying two different things?In one corner, we have the “Oracle of Omaha,” investor Warren Buffett. As one of the nation’s...
Read MoreThe American Jobs Act – 10 Potential Changes We’re Watching
President Biden has unveiled his $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan; now, the focus turns to how the Administration proposes to pay for all (or some of) the measures. While these plans are still subject to significant change,...
Read MoreAre Americans Saving Too Much?
Among the many changes arising from the pandemic, one of the most noticeable was a change in American spending habits.A survey released in March 2021 by Pew Research shows that Americans have increasingly chosen to put away what extra...
Read MoreAmerican Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – What’s Included?
One year into the global pandemic, President Biden has signed into action a new $1.9 trillion stimulus package known as the American Rescue Plan Act. It’s designed to help the American people continue to recover from the...
Read MoreThe Shadow of Inflation
I’m sure you’ve heard that the House recently passed the Senate another round of stimulus to try and counteract the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new stimulus package could narrow income eligibility to...
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